The Flourishing Era of Female Merchants

Meanwhile, in the Empress Dowager's palace, the study of the First Prince's residence was just as quiet. The Empress Dowager did not speak, and the maids and eunuchs serving her did not dare to make a sound. Ever since the Empress Dowager left the main hall, leaving the Emperor and the Prince of Bohai behind, she had been like this, expressionless, her eyes fixed on one spot, and the aura she exuded made no one dare to approach.

"All of you, step back!" Finally, after a long silence, the Empress Dowager spoke, her voice firm and resolute, which relieved the eunuchs and maids waiting in the room.

However, just as everyone retreated to the doorway, the Empress Dowager's voice rang out again, startling everyone once more...

"Where is Granny Li?" The Empress Dowager glanced around, but didn't see the person she wanted to see, and her brow furrowed.

"Your Majesty, Granny Li is in the kitchen instructing Miss Anmi," someone hurriedly replied.

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's expression softened. "Have her come to see me immediately."

"Yes." The palace servants immediately withdrew.

As soon as this group of people left, a palace maid whispered tentatively from outside the door, "Your Majesty the Empress Dowager, the Prince of Bohai's residence has sent over Miss Anmi's phoenix coronet and wedding gown."

The Empress Dowager raised an eyebrow and ordered loudly, "Bring it in."

The palace maid entered the room and felt the oppressive atmosphere. She carefully presented the items in her hands to the Empress Dowager and, after receiving the Empress Dowager's permission, left the room. Once again, the Empress Dowager was alone in the room. Looking at the phoenix coronet and wedding robes placed on the table, a smile gradually appeared on her lips.

"This servant greets Your Highness." Granny Li entered the room cautiously.

"You've arrived." The Empress Dowager's voice softened considerably.

But Granny Li dared not relax for a moment. "Did the Empress Dowager summon me because she has something to instruct me on?"

"Indeed, I have something for you to do," the Empress Dowager said, her gaze slightly lowered. "How is Anmi?"

At the mention of An Mi, a hint of ruthlessness appeared in Li Mama's eyes. "Reporting to the Empress Dowager, that An Mi is truly born with a rebellious streak. I tried to teach her with good intentions, but she made things difficult for me at every turn. Even when I brought up the Empress Dowager's name, she still wouldn't listen, and even said..."

Granny Li stopped abruptly, a hint of embarrassment in her voice. The Empress Dowager frowned. "What else is there to say?"

"This...this servant dares not say!" Granny Li lowered her head, concealing her slightly darting eyes.

"Speak!" The Empress Dowager's eyes sharpened, and she raised her voice.

Granny Li hurriedly and fearfully said, "She also said that in a few days, she will be the Princess Consort of Bohai, and then she will definitely make this servant suffer."

As soon as she finished speaking, the Empress Dowager's face darkened, she snorted coldly, and said sternly, "So this is the Princess Consort of Bohai. I'd like to see if she can become the Princess Consort of Bohai in a few days!"

This tranquility is truly outrageous!

A subtle smile crept across Li Mama's lips, a hint of smugness creeping into her heart. The Empress Dowager so disliked An Mi, the Princess Consort of Bohai? She figured it would be difficult for her to get her wish!

"Granny Li, the thing I'm instructing you to do is related to Anmi." The Empress Dowager narrowed her sharp eyes, as if she had made up her mind and would not hesitate to act without hesitation.

Li Mama's eyes lit up. "Your Majesty, please give me your orders. I will do my best to satisfy Your Majesty."

The Empress Dowager nodded, her gaze falling on the phoenix coronet and wedding gown laid out on the table. After a long silence, she slowly spoke, "I need a woman whose figure and age are similar to An Mi's. Can you find one?"

Granny Li was taken aback. They wanted a woman who resembled An Mi?

What is the Empress Dowager trying to do?

Li Mama couldn't fathom it, but she didn't need to guess her mistress's thoughts. She just needed to do as her mistress instructed. Her gaze shifted slightly, as if she had thought it over, and then she said, "Your Highness, I have a niece whose age and figure are somewhat similar to Miss Anmi. I wonder what Your Highness wants such a girl for?"

"Your niece?" The Empress Dowager glanced at Granny Li, a smile playing on her lips. "Is she married?"

"Not yet," said Granny Li hurriedly.

“Very good, then the Prince of Bohai is worthy of your niece.” The Empress Dowager’s eyes narrowed slightly, a glint of shrewdness flashing in them.

Upon hearing this, Granny Li was slightly taken aback at first, but then quickly understood. Her eyes lit up and were immediately filled with excitement. The Empress Dowager's meaning... the Empress Dowager's meaning was to have someone else take her place?

Haha, this is fantastic news!

In that case, her niece would be the Princess of Bohai!

Anmi's image appeared in her mind, and Li Mama's heart surged even more. "Your Majesty the Empress Dowager... Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty the Empress Dowager!"

The Empress Dowager smiled slightly, but her smile was full of coldness. "No need for thanks. As long as you handle this matter properly for me, I will reward you handsomely."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. This servant... this servant will definitely handle this matter well for Your Majesty." Granny Li knelt on the ground excitedly, even kowtowing several times. She was overjoyed. Once this matter was accomplished, she would no longer be the person she was now!

The Empress Dowager glanced at Li Mama indifferently and nodded in satisfaction.

Are we getting married the day after tomorrow?

Hmph, she doesn't believe that she can't ruin this wedding with her methods!

At that moment, Anmi, who was adding firewood to the kitchen, suddenly froze. A sharp pain shot through her hand, and a trace of bright red blood appeared. A sense of unease rose in her heart.

The day after tomorrow is her wedding day, but she increasingly feels that even if the Empress Dowager cannot force her to cancel the engagement, she will not easily allow her wedding with Bai Yi to proceed smoothly.

But what will she do?

Anmi frowned slightly, her face serious.

This unease lingered with Ye Lan until the next day, when she heard the news that she would be married off from the Empress Dowager's palace.

Did she marry from the Empress Dowager's palace?

An Mi couldn't help but chuckle to herself. This wasn't against the rules, was it?

It seems the Empress Dowager is indeed plotting something!

She sighed and lowered her brows.

"Tomorrow is your wedding with Bai Yi, you can't afford to sigh!"

Suddenly, the Empress Dowager's voice rang out. An Mi was startled, looked up, and met the Empress Dowager's gentle and loving eyes. Startled, she quickly curtsied, "Empress Dowager..."

"There's no need for such formalities today. I've come to deliver something." The Empress Dowager stepped forward and personally helped An Mi up, her smile full of concern. With a quick glance, she ordered in a loud voice, "Bring the things up!"

As soon as the Empress Dowager finished speaking, palace maids filed in, each carrying a tray covered with red silk. An Mi looked at them with a hint of doubt, "Your Majesty, what is this...?"

The Empress Dowager's attitude today was different from usual, which made An Mi subconsciously wary.